A Reversed Verdict: Elijah Pruitt’s Murder Case and Return to Lane County Jail



In Eugene, Oregon, a fatal shooting outside a late-night eatery in 2023 sparked a legal saga that continues to unfold. Elijah Michael Pruitt, now 22, was convicted of second-degree murder, only to see his conviction overturned by the Oregon Court of Appeals in August 2025. With charges reinstated, Pruitt is back in Lane County Jail awaiting a new trial, his fate hanging in the balance as of October 7, 2025. This case, rooted in a deadly clash, exposes the fragility of justice and the weight of prosecutorial missteps.The Fatal NightOn March 14, 2023, in Eugene’s Whiteaker neighborhood, Pruitt, a 20-year-old supervisor at the Fat Shack restaurant, confronted 19-year-old Fernando Giffen-Vallejo for using nitrous oxide canisters. The dispute spilled onto 13th Avenue, escalating into a brawl. Witnesses saw Giffen-Vallejo lunge, possibly with a knife, before Pruitt, a convicted felon, fired a single shot from an illegal handgun, killing him. Two bystanders were also injured. Arrested on the spot, Pruitt claimed self-defense but faced charges of second-degree murder, assault, and unlawful firearm possession.Trial and ConvictionIn September 2023, Lane County Circuit Court Judge Debra Vogt oversaw Pruitt’s trial. Prosecutor Erik Hasselman used security footage showing Pruitt’s earlier threat to “kill” Giffen-Vallejo, arguing premeditation. Despite defense claims of self-defense and no knife found, Hasselman’s closing remarks controversially implied the state could have charged higher crimes, swaying the jury. Pruitt was convicted and sentenced to life with a 25-year minimum, plus seven years for assault and gun charges. He was sent to Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution.Appellate ReversalIn June 2025, the Oregon Court of Appeals, led by Judge Jacqueline Kamins, reversed the conviction, citing Hasselman’s closing as prejudicial. The comments denied Pruitt a fair trial by undermining his self-defense claim. The case was remanded for a new trial, keeping the indictment alive. While the state considered a Supreme Court appeal, Pruitt tasted brief freedom under supervision.Back in CustodyBy late September 2025, Lane County prosecutors moved to reinstate charges and detain Pruitt. A bail hearing before Judge Vogt denied release, citing his felon status and public safety risks. On October 7, Pruitt was transferred to Lane County Jail, where he’s held under Inmate ID 3937555. Perhaps this will spawn a plea deal for manslaughter. Until then, Pruitt remains in the Lane County Jail with no bail. A Case UnresolvedPruitt’s journey reflects Oregon’s struggle to balance justice and fairness. For Giffen-Vallejo’s family, the reversal delays closure; for Pruitt, it’s a second chance at redemption. As he awaits trial in Lane County Jail, Eugene grapples with rising violence and gun law debates. The outcome will test whether a new trial can deliver justice or deepen the wounds of a night gone wrong.

Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest crime watch group in Lane County, Lane County Mugshots Uncensored, which currently has over 88,400 members. Support for local journalism is essential, and donations can be made via Venmo to @Michael-Weber-379 (last four digits of phone number: 0825).

You can also follow me on X: https://x.com/MugshotMike541 

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